Blast wreaks bloodshed on two churches in Bauchi

Compass Direct News, Christian Solidarity Worldwide 07 June 2012

Casualties from the Sunday morning bombing
Photo: Compass Direct News

A suicide bomber crashed the gate of a church compound in Bauchi, Nigeria, on June 3, killing himself and at least 18 others and leaving more than 30 injured. The bomber, a suspected member of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, detonated the bomb at the gate of the church as members were leaving an early morning worship service.

The explosion also brought down a wall of an adjacent church, which bore the brunt of the explosion. Twelve cars and a number of buildings were also reported to have been destroyed by the blast.

Continue to uphold our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who have suffered yet another attack. Pray for comfort and healing for the grieving and the injured. Pray for the church leaders who provide guidance and encouragement to their congregations. Pray this latest tragedy will be used by the Lord to further His kingdom.

For more information about Nigeria's persecuted Church, please visit the Nigeria Country Report.

Nigeria

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
230,842,743 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

Religion (%)
Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

Leader
President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

Government type
Federal presidential republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Nigeria
May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.